Flier construction



Jan. 23, 1940.

M. .1. McHALE 2,187,862

FLIER CONSTRUCTION Filed July 11, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Qigd.

- E? lfiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiIiiIIHi'i'i H s mug/ 11/111 an r 4!" awe/whom Michael J M Ha/e Jan. 23, 1940. J, McHALE FLIER CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed July 11, 1939 Michael J M Ha/e Patented Jan. 23, 1940 UNITED STATES :FLIER. CONSTRUCTION Michael McHale, Scranton, Pa.

7 'ApplicationJuly 11, 1939, S'erial No. 283,880

15 Claims My invention relates to fliers of the type used with spinning machines, and more particularly to a flier block arrangement having improved means for attaching and supporting the flier wires.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a flier structure particularly adapted for use with bobbins of the type wherein comparatively large head members are used. Heretofore, and prior to the adoption of bobbins having large head portions, the desired uniform tension could be maintained on the thread dur ing the winding operation by means of conventional fliers. It has been found, however, that conventional fliers are not adaptable for use with large bobbins since, by reason of their inherent construction, uniform tension on the thread cannot be obtained. r I It'will be appreciated that by increasing the diameter of the bobbin head, it became necessary to lengthen the flier wires, the increased length thereof being reflected in the distance from the point of attachment of the wire to the flier block outwardly to the drop arm or the thread receiving eye. Since this substantially horizontal portion of the flier wire arm is unsupported, the wire is obviously easily flexed out of the mean horizontal plane, resulting in considerable variation of tension on the thread. It will also be appreciated that during the winding operation increased tension on the thread, due to the variation in the angle of take-on, frequently causes the flier wire arm to be pulled down into contact with the upper surface of the bobbin head;

After considerable research and experimenta tion, I have found that the desired uniform tension, when large bobbins are used, can be maintained at all times during the winding operation, if the flier block is constructed and' arranged to provide additional support for the flier wires between theirpoints of attaohment'to the flier block and the dropped arms or eyes, together with means for guiding'the thread in a path substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flier wire arms, irrespective of the variation in the angle of take-off of the thread.

An object of my invention is to provide a flier for spinning machines and the like adapted for use with bobbins having relatively large head portions.

Another object of my invention is to provide a flier block having improved means for attaching and supporting the flier wires thereon.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide an improved flier f or, spinning machines and the like having means associated therewith adapted to guide the thread in a flxed'path of travel to the flier wires, irrespective of the angle of take-01f from the bobbinf I Still another object of my invention is to 5 provide a flier construction having means whereby the arms of the flier wires are supported ina fixed plane in the vicinity of their points of attachment to the'flier block i A further object of my invention is to provide an improved flier construction wherein the flier Wires are attached to the flier block by twisting or .entwining the arms thereof, portionsof the arms beyond the points of attachment being supported in a fixed plane whereby undesirablefle'xing offthe flier wiresabout their points of support isl revented.

With these and other objects in, view, which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements, comprising my invention, may be varied'in construction, proportions an'd arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the 'ap- Dended'claims.

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in theac'co-inpanyi'rig drawingsmeans for carrying the same into practical efiect, without limiting the improvements in their useful applications to the particular constructions, which for, the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings: I 4

Figure l is an elevational view, partly in'sec- 35 tion, showing myimproved flier inoperative position on a bobbin spindle.

Figure 2 is a'plan view'of the flier shown in Figure 1, t I v v j Figure 3 is a'f l n iew of the bottom of, the flier shownin Figure 1. Figure 4 is an, expanded perspective viewofrthe parts of the flier block.

Figure 5 is an elevational view, partly in sec- .45 tion, showing a flier mounted in operative posi-' tion on a bobbin spindle, the flier being equipped with a thread guide means and flier'wire balance. Figure 6 is a plan view of the bottom of the flier structure shown in Figure 5. I

Figure 7 isa plan viewof a flier block having flier wires of the four-arm type. H

Figure 8 is a perspective view of my improved flier block provided with wires having drop arms,

and,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a flier wire balance.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a flier arrangement associated with a bobbin I, mounted in operative position on a suitable spindle 2, of a conventional winding machine. The bobbin is provided with a head member 3, and a centrally recessed portion l adapted to receive a ferrule 5, having an aperture 6 through which the flier foot is inserted. The flier block, designated generally by numeral 7, comprises a centrally apertured body portion 8 having a base portion 9 and a head portion In. Between the base and head portions, there is provided a peripheral flange constructed and arranged to form a seat for the flier wire support member.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the base of the body portion is formed with an eccentric foot member l2, and that the head portion I0 is in the form of a circular flange. The peripheral flange H, between the base and head portions, is provided with an enlarged portion or collar l3 of slightly greater diameter than that of the main body portion and straight sides M, the purpose of the arrangement of the collar and straight sides I4 being described more fully hereinafter.

The flier wire support member comprises a plate I5 having a central aperture It, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the outside diameter of collar |3. The ends ll of the plate are bent back upon the body portion to form slots or grooves |8 adapted to receive the arms IQ of the flier wires. It will be noted that the end members H are formed with cut-out portions as at 20, and that the free. ends 2| are bent downwardly in overhanging relationship with the body portion of the plate so that the wires are prevented from accidental displacement out of the slots or grooves I8.

In order to securely clamp the flier wire support member in operative position on the body of the flier block, there is provided a cap or clamping plate, designated generally by numeral 22. The cap is formed with an interior recessed portion 23 of substantially the same configuration as the peripheral flange H, the depth of the recessed portion being approximately equal to the thickness of the flange. The body portion of the cap is formed with projections or extensions 24, which extend outwardly from the recessed portion in a horizontal plane at either side of the straight portions 2 5 of the recess.

In assembling the block, the flier wire support member I5 is placed in seated position on the upper surface of the peripheral flange, recess N5 of the support member fitting over the collar l3 in a fairly snug flt so that lateral movement of the plate |5 with respect to the block is prevented. Cap member 22 is then inserted over the eccentric foot I2 and upwardly into contact with the lower surface of the peripheral flange, the straight sides 25 of the recessed portion of the cap being adjacent straight sides M of the flange so that when the flange is seated in the recess, rotation of the cap is prevented. After the parts are in the assembled position, the extensions 24 are attached to the under surface of the flier wire support member, as by spot welding. It will be appreciated that by assembling the parts of the flier block in the manner above described, and particularly by reason of the arrangement of the body portion of the block and the clamping cap or plate, that an extremely rugged structure is provided, and further that the parts are not liable to become separated, due to vibration or other causes, even after long and continued use.

When it is desired to use the improved flier with a bobbin, as shown in Fig. 1, the flier wires may be attached thereto by twisting or entwining the arms thereof in the vicinity of the central block engaging portions of the wires, the arms l9 being inserted in the slots or grooves i8 beneath the downwardly turned ends 2| of the end members ll of the flier wire support member. By reason of the additional support afforded by the plate IE to the flier wires from their points of attachment to the block outwardly in the direction of the drop arms or eyes, together with the maintenance of the arms in the spread position by means of the end members undue flexing of the flier wires out of their normal position in a substantially horizontal plane is prevented with the result that the desired uniform tension can be applied to the thread at all times during the winding operation.

It has been found, under certain conditions of use, that the arms of the flier wires have a tendency to flex downwardly into contact with the upper surface of the bobbin head or the peripheral edge thereof. During the winding operation, it'will be appreciated that as the thread unwinds it moves up and down the bobbin between the head portions and that the angle of takeoff is constantly changing. When large bobbins are used, as the diameter of the package decreases, the thread being unwound in the vicinity of the top of the bobbin contacts the edge of the bobbin head causing the flier wires to flex: downwardly, thus increasing the tension on the thread. In order to overcome objectional flexing of the flier wire arms and to compensate for the variation in the angle of take-off of the thread, I have provided means associated with the flier, adapted to guide the thread in a predetermined path of travel to the eyes of the flier wires.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, a thread guide wire 26, of larger gauge than the flier wires, is attached to the under side of the flier wire support member I5. The thread guide member comprises a vertical arm 21 having an eyelet 28 formed thereon and ahorizontal portion 29, which terminates in a hook end 30. In order to securely mount the guide member on the flier wire support, the body portion of support I5 is provided with slots 3| formed by cutting and pressing out the material between the cuts of the body of the Y plate. Near the ends of the plate, lugs 32 are struck out therefrom, the lugs being adapted to receive the horizontal arms 29 of the guide wire. As shown in Fig. 6, the guide wire is adapted to be positioned on the under side of the flier wire support member by inserting the hook 30 in one of the slots 3| and sliding the arms 29 underneath one of the lugs 32, the overhanging portion of the lugs being of suflicient length to prevent accidental displacement of the guide wire arm from beneath the lug.

In connection with the arrangement shown in Figs. 5 and 6, it will be noted that a flier wire of the double arm type is used in combination with the thread guide. The flier wire, as more clearly shown in Fig. 6, is provided with a central block engaging portion and the arms thereof are twisted as at 33, to provide tight engagement of the wire with the flier block. When a single flier wire of this type is used, it is advisable to provide meansfor balancing the block, that is, means to compensate the unbalanced forces due to the projection of the flier arms on the same side of the support plate. I

One method of balancing the block, as here shown, is .to provide a balance member, designated generally by numeral 34, Fig.9, in the form of a loop having straight sides 35, the free ends of the loop terminating in hooks 36 adapted for engagement with one of the ends [1 of the flier wire support member. The flier wire balance may be conveniently attached to the support l5 by overlapping the free ends of the sides 35 and inserting hooks 36 underneath the turned down ends I 'l of the flier wire support member, in seated position within slots l8. It will be appreciated that the required balancing effect may be ob-/ tained in other ways. For example, the block may be fitted with duplicate wires, one pair being used at a time, and after they have become worn, the other set may be used before it is necessary to rewire the block.

With reference to the operation of the arrange- "ment shown in Fig. 5, and more particularly the patnthrough eyelet l9, regardless of the angle 'ofQtake-ofl? from the bobbin. By means of the guide, compensation 'is enacted for the variation in;the angle of take-off and flexing of the flier wires downwardly into contact with the upper surface of the bobbin head is prevented.

Referring to Fig, 7, there is shown a modified form'of attaching flier wires to the flier block. In'this arrangement, the wires are each provided with a central block engaging section 39 and offset portions 40, the offset portions being adapted to interlock and hold the flier Wires in seated position in the peripheral groove between the head ill of the block and the peripheral flange II. Under certain conditions of operation, the flier may be equipped with two guide members 26, as shown in Fig. 8, the desired tension being obtained without the necessity of using flier wires. It will now be appreciated that I have provided an improved flier block arrangement of general application'in connection with bobbins having relatively large head portions. The flier'of the present invention is designed for the purpose of readily adapting it for use under different conditions of service, that-is to say, it can be used with wires of, the so-called double arm 'orfour-arm type, and when wired in themanner herein suggested, provides uniform tension on'the thread at all tirnes" during the winding operation.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, 1 wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by 'way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes-and variations maybe made therein, by tho'seskilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

' I claim:

1. A flier for spinning machines and the like,

comprising a centrally apertured body member having base and head portions, 'a peripheral flange formed on the body portion between'the base and the head portions, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, and means to securely clamp said support member to the flier body comprising a cap adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the'under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said cap being attached to the flierv wire support member..

2. A flier for spinning machines and the "like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having base and .head portions, a peripheral flange formed 'on the body portion between the base and the'head portions, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion'of the flier body in contact with the upper'surface oi the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier wires thereto and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate member adapted fit over the base of the flier body against the under sure face of the peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein, portions of said plate being attached to the flier wire support.

3.. A flier for spinning machines and thelike, comprising a centrally apertured body member having base and head portions, a peripheral flange .formed on the body portion between the base and the head portions, a flier wire support member adapted tofit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange and means to securely clamp said support member to the-flier body comprising a-cap adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said caprbeing welded to the flier wire support member.

4. A flier for spinning machines and the like,

comprising a centrally apertured body member having base and head portions, a peripheral flange formed on the body portion between the base and the head portions, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching. flier wires thereto and means to securely clamp said support to the flier over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheralflange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated-position therein, portions of said body comprisinga plate member adapted to fit plate being spot welded to the flier wire support.

, 5. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion, a foot member on said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body between the foot member and head portion, a flierwire support member adapted 'to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier wires thereto, and means to securely clamp said support member to the flier body comprising a cap adapted to fit overthebase of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said cap being attached to the flier wire support member. I

6. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally-apertured body member havinga base and a head portionformed-"there on, an eccentricfootimember on said:body-adapt.- ed: for insertion into the head of a bobbinra, peripheral flange formed on the body of the block between the eccentric foot and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted; to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier Wires thereto and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate member adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the under surface of they peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein, portions of said plate being attached to the flier wire support.

7. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion, a foot mem ber on said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body between the foot member and head portion. a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, said support member having a substantially flat body portion, the free ends thereof being bent backwardly upon the body to form slots adapted to receive the arms of a flier wire and means to securely clamp said support member to the flier body comprising a cap adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said cap being attached to the flier wire support member..

8., A'flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion, a foot member on-said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body between the foot member and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted to flt over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, said support having a substantially flat body portion, the free ends thereof being bent backwardly upon the body to form slots adapted to receive the arms of the flier wire, and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate member adapted to fit over the base of the flier wire against the under surface of the peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein, portions of said plate being attached to the flier wire support.

9. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a'base and a head portion, a foot member on said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body between the foot member and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, said support member having a substantially flat body portion, the free ends thereof being bent backwardly upon the body to form slots adapted to receive the arms of a flier wire, means for attaching a guide wire to the under surface of the flier wire support comprising a slot adapted to receive the free end of the guide wire and a lug struck out from the body portion in the vicinity of the end of the body, said lug being adapted to overhang a portion of the guide Wire. arm. and, prevent lateral. movement therearea-s62 of and: means; to securely-clamp said support member to the flier body comprisinga cap adapt,- ed to -fit overthe base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said cap being attached to the flier wire support member.

10. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion, a foot member on said bodyadapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body between the foot member and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body-in contact with. the upper surface of the Peripheral flange, said support memberhaving a substantially flat-body portion, the free ends thereof being bent backwardly upon the body to form slots adapted-to receive the arms of a flier wire, means for attaching aguide wire to the under surface of the flier wire support comprising a slot adapted to receive the free end of the guide wire and a lug struck out from the body portion in the vicinity of the endof the body, said lug being adapted to overhang a portion of the guide Wire arm and prevent lateral movement thereof and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate member adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein, portions of said plate being attached to the flier wire support.

, -11. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having base and head portions, a peripheral flange formed on the body portion between the base and the head portions, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier wires thereto, means for attaching a guide wire to the under surface of the flier wire support comprising a slot adapted to receive the free end of the guide wire and a lug struck out from the body portion in the vicinity of the free end of the body, said lug being adapted to overhang a portion of the guide Wire and prevent lateral movement thereof and means to securely clamp said support member to the flier body comprising a cap adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said cap being attached to the flier wire support member.

12. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having base-and head portions, a peripheral flange formed on the body portion between the base and the head portions, a flier Wire support member adapted to flt over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier wires thereto and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate member adapted to fit over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein and flanged portions extending outwardly beyond said recess, the flanged portions being welded to the flier wire support.

13. A flier for spinning machines and the like, u

comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion, a foot member on said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body between the foot member and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, said support having a substantially flat body portion, the free ends thereof being bent backwardly upon the body to form slots adapted to receive the arms of the flier wire, and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate member adapted to fit over the base of the flier wire against the under surface of the peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein and flanged portions extending outwardly upon said recess, the flanged portions being welded to the flier wire support. A

14. A flier fd'r spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion formed thereon, an eccentric foot member on said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body of the block between the eccentric foot and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted to flt over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier wires thereto, a flier wire having a central block engaging section and arms extending outwardly therefrom mounted upon the block, the arms of the wires being entwined in the vicinity of e the block, the portions of the arms therebeyond being in engagement with the wire retaining means and means to securely clamp said support to the flier body comprising a plate'member adapted to flt over the base of the flier body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, said plate having a recessed portion adapted to accommodate the flange in seated position therein, portions of said plate being attached to the flier wire support. I

15. A flier for spinning machines and the like, comprising a centrally apertured body member having a base and a head portion formed thereon, an eccentric foot member on said body adapted for insertion into the head of a bobbin, a peripheral flange formed on the body of the block between the eccentric foot and head portion, a flier wire support member adapted to fit over the head portion of the flier body in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral flange, means formed on said support for attaching flier wires thereto, a flier wire having a central block engaging section and arms extending outwardly therefrom mounted upon the block, the arms of the wires being entwined in the vicinity of the block, the portions of the arms therebeyond being in engagement with the wire retaining means, means for attaching a guide wire to the under surface of the flier wire support comprising a slot adapted to receive the free end of the guide wire and a lug struck out from the body portion in the vicinity of the free end of the body, said lug being adapted to overhang a portion of the guide wire arm and prevent lateral movement thereof and means to securely clamp said support member to the flier body comprising a cap adapted to flt over the base of the flier'body against the under surface of the peripheral flange, portions of said cap being attached to the flier wire support member.

MICHAEL J. MCHALE. 

